The Culture, Community Safety & Environment Scrutiny Panel was scheduled to consider the Council's financial position, review the draft Library Strategy, and discuss updates to the work programme. The meeting's agenda also included standard procedural items and a review of the Council's financial performance for the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year.

Finance Update - Q2 2025/26

The panel was scheduled to review the Council's financial position at the end of the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. This report, originally prepared for the Cabinet meeting on 9th December 2025, focuses on areas of significant overspend and the delivery of savings, particularly those rated as red or amber. The report indicates a forecast overspend on the General Fund of £23.4m, an improvement from the previous quarter but still a significant figure. This overspend is attributed to £14.7m in base budget pressures and £8.7m from the non-delivery of savings.

The report highlights that demand-led services, such as Adult Social Care, Children's Services, and Housing Demand, continue to be the most significant areas of overspend, although these have shown downward movements. An unbudgeted need for additional bad debt provision of an estimated £3.9m has also been included. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) forecast shows a £3.1m overspend, primarily driven by pressures in the High Needs Block. Conversely, the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) is projecting an underspend of £514,000, largely due to mitigating actions and staffing vacancies.

In terms of capital expenditure, the General Fund capital forecast spend is £160.9m against a revised budget of £180.2m, indicating an underspend. The HRA capital forecast spend is £281.9m against a revised budget of £341.7m. The report details proposed budget adjustments and virements to both revenue and capital programmes.

The Council has implemented additional spend control measures and refreshed governance arrangements, including a Finance Recovery Board, to address its financial position and reduce reliance on Exceptional Financial Support (EFS). Despite these efforts, the report notes that the level of need for services does not match the available funding. The Council continues to lobby for fair funding, acknowledging the government's support but also the impact of austerity.

The report also details progress against the 2025/26 savings programme, with a forecast delivery of 78% of planned savings. However, £14.9m of savings remain rated as amber or red. Cross-council saving initiatives, including workforce reductions and service modernisation, are discussed, with some areas facing challenges in delivery.

The panel was also to consider the Council's debt write-offs for Quarter 2, totalling £4.844m, with parking debts constituting 81% of this amount. Two debts exceeding £50,000 were approved for write-off, one relating to a business loan and the other to rent overpayments for temporary accommodation.

Draft Library Strategy - 2026-2030

The panel was scheduled to consider the draft Library Strategy for 2026-2030. This strategy outlines the proposed direction for the borough's libraries over the next five years. The report pack includes the draft strategy document itself, along with consultation survey questions. The strategy aims to set out the Council's vision and objectives for its library services, likely addressing areas such as service delivery, digital inclusion, community engagement, and resource allocation.

Work Programme Update

An update on the panel's work programme was scheduled for discussion. This item typically involves reviewing progress on ongoing scrutiny projects, considering new potential review topics, and planning future activities. The provided work plan outlines proposed scrutiny review projects and one-off items for the 2022-2026 period, including topics such as litter and fly-tipping, the Walking and Cycling Action Plan, and community safety. The update would likely cover the current status of these items and any proposed adjustments to the work plan.

Filming at Meetings

The panel was reminded of the policy regarding filming and recording at meetings. Attendees were informed that the meeting might be filmed or recorded for broadcast, and by attending, they consent to being filmed. The Chair has the discretion to terminate filming if it disrupts proceedings.

Declarations of Interest

As is standard practice, members were reminded of the requirement to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests or prejudicial interests at the start of the meeting or when an interest becomes apparent. Members with such interests are expected not to participate in discussions or vote on the matter and to withdraw from the meeting room.

Deputations/Petitions/Presentations/Questions

The panel was to consider any requests received for deputations, petitions, presentations, or questions in accordance with the Council's Constitution.

Minutes

The panel was scheduled to approve the minutes of its previous meeting.